California Biographies, Kern County
JACOB NIEDERAUR
History of Kern County, California, with biographical sketches
of the leading men and women of the county who have been
identified with its growth and development from the early days
to the present.
Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company, 1914
History by Morgan, Wallace Melvin
This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm
JACOB NIEDERAUR.— It was the good fortune of Bakersfield to enjoy
during its early- history, as in its later era of progress, the loyal devotion of
men of ability, energy and progressive spirit To the foundation laid by such
citizens was added the superstructure of subsequent effort that rendered
possible the prosperity now attained by the city. In the list of capable pio-
neers no name stands out with greater prominence and none is more worthy
of an honorable place in local annals than that of the late Jacob Niederaur,
who from the time of his settlement in the then struggling, insignificant
village in 1869 until his death, February 9, 1903, contributed persistently,
effectively and intelligently to the advancement of the town commercially,
materially and financially contributing his quota to every enterprise for the
general welfare and leaving the impress of his forceful personality upon every
civic project. It would be difficult, perhaps impossible, to name an enter-
prise of pioneer days which failed to receive his quiet but efficient support.
A master workman, skilled in the use of tools, and without a superior in his
trade of a cabinet-maker, he did not limit his activities to the occupation in
which he had achieved signal success, but entered into other avenues of
labor. From the first he appreciated the value to this county of its great
oil resources. Nor did he fail to realize the excellent location of Bakersfield
as a business headquarters for the oil fields. Other resources of the com-
munity were backed by his sincere faith and generous support and the wis-
dom of his judgment was proved by his own large success, as well as by the
steady advancement made by the county and city of his adoption.
Born in Bavaria, Germany, June 15, 1841, Jacob Niederaur was nine
years of age when brought to America by his parents, who settled at Bryan,
Ohio. He was one of four sons, all of whom were trained by their father,
a skilled mechanic, into a thorough knowledge of cabinet-making as soon as
they were old enough to handle tools. In skill and quickness he soon proved
the equal of the others and was able to earn his livelihood at the trade while
yet very young. When he came to Bakersfield at the age of twenty-eight
years he had no difficulty in finding employment as a cabinet-maker. .Al-
though he had no capital he was thrifty and economical and soon he was able
to embark in the furniture business. The beginning of the business was very
small, but as time passed he enlarged his stock of furniture and became the
leading furniture dealer in the entire valley. Shortly after his arrival in
Bakersfield he was impressed by the need of an undertaking establishment
and he at once began to study the business, acquiring a thorough familiarity
with its every detail. He is remembered today as the pioneer undertaker of
the city. During the early days the business houses were mere shacks, but
he became a champion of better buildings and himself set the example by
erecting a substantial block, the first floor of which he utilized for his under-
taking establishment and furniture, while the second floor he rented for general
lodge, hall and lecture purposes. At the time of the incorporation of the
Southern Hotel Company he became a stockholder in the new enterprise
and was enthusiastic in his efforts to secure adequate hotel accommodations
for the growing city. Although intensely devoted to the welfare of the
community it was impossible to secure his acceptance of public offices and
he took no part in politics whatever aside from voting the Republican ticket.
The only lodge to which he belonged was the Knights of Pythias, and in that
order he ever maintained a warm interest.
For some years after his arrival in the west Mr. Niederaur continued to
lead a single life, and it was in this city that he met the attractive young lady
whom he chose as his wife. She was Miss Lucy J. Williams, who was born
in Ross county. Ohio, May 10, 1860, but grew to girlhood in Vermont, her
mother having returned to that state after the death of the husband and
father. At the age of sixteen years Atiss Williams left the east to come to
California as governess for the children of Philo Jewett at Bakersfield. While
filling this position she met Mr. Niederaur, whom she married August 6, 1878.
Two children came to bless their union, Philip Williams and Helen Jewett,
After the death of I\Ir. Niederaur his widow continued to make her home in
the elegant family residence, which since her death, November 30, 1909, has
been occupied by her daughter and son-in-law, Helen Jewett Forrest and
Thomas W. Forrest. This young couple were married October '16, 1911,
Mr. Forrest being vice-president of the E. H. Loveland Produce Company
and one of the leading young business men of Bakersfield. The son, Philip
Williams Niederaur, formerly engaged in the furniture business in Bakers-
field, but now resides in San Francisco.
Among the many friends whom Mr. Niederaur won through his fine qual-
ities of heart and mind there was none to whom he was more deeply attached
than to Franz Buckreus, for many years superintendent of the Kern county
hospital. Between those two pioneers there was a deep bond of affection
which time -only served to deepen. The implicit faith which Mr. Niederaur
reposed in his friend was shown by his selection of him as administrator of
his estate, without bonds, and also as guardian of his children. After the
death of his friend Mr. Buckreus continued to operate the furniture and
undertaking establishment for a time. During March of 1904 he sold the
undertaking business to Morton & Connelly, who are now in that business
at No. 1712 Chester avenue. About the same time the furniture business
was sold to George C. Haberfelde, who since has become a leading repre-
sentative of this line of commercial enterprise in Bakersfield. The estate
left by Mr. Niederaur was valued at $70,000 and had he been spared to enjoy
the present remarkable growth of his chosen city he would have attained
much greater wealth, but the large estate which he accumulated is especially
significant because it represented the unaided efforts of a man who ever
lived up to his high ideals of honor and his lofty principles of business
integrity. Of such pioneers the city and county may well be proud and
their descendants may recount their activities with pardonable gratification.